Showing papers on "White dwarf published in 2008"

Compact Object Modeling with the StarTrack Population Synthesis Code

Abstract: We present a comprehensive description of the population synthesis code StarTrack. The original code has been significantly modified and updated. Special emphasis is placed here on processes leading to the formation and further evolution of compact objects (white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes). Both single and binary star populations are considered. The code now incorporates detailed calculations of all mass transfer phases, a full implementation of orbital evolution due to tides, as well as the most recent estimates of magnetic braking. This updated version of StarTrack can be used for a wide variety of problems, with relevance to observations with many current and planned observatories, e.g., studies of X-ray binaries (Chandra, XMM-Newton), gravitational radiation sources (LIGO, LISA), and gamma-ray burst progenitors (HETE-II, Swift). The code has already been used in studies of Galactic and extragalactic X-ray binary populations, black holes in young star clusters, Type Ia supernova progenitors, and double compact object populations. Here we describe in detail the input physics, we present the code calibration and tests, and we outline our current studies in the context of X-ray binary populations.

Short-duration gamma-ray bursts with extended emission from protomagnetar spin-down

Abstract: Evidence is growing for a class of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) characterized by an initial ∼0.1-1 s spike of hard radiation followed, after a ∼3-10 s lull in emission, by a softer period of extended emission lasting ∼10-100 s. In a few well-studied cases, these 'short GRBs with extended emission' show no evidence for a bright associated supernova (SN). We propose that these events are produced by the formation and early evolution of a highly magnetized, rapidly rotating neutron star (a 'protomagnetar') which is formed from the accretion-induced collapse (AIC) of a white dwarf (WD), the merger and collapse of a WD-WD binary or perhaps, the merger of a double neutron star binary. The initial emission spike is powered by accretion on to the protomagnetar from a small disc that is formed during the AIC or merger event. The extended emission is produced by a relativistic wind that extracts the rotational energy of the protomagnetar on a time-scale ∼ 10-100 s. The ∼ 10 s delay between the prompt and extended emission is the time required for the newly formed protomagnetar to cool sufficiently that the neutrino-heated wind from its surface becomes ultrarelativistic. Because a protomagnetar ejects little or no 56 Ni (< 10 -3 M ⊙ ), these events should not produce a bright SN-like transient. We model the extended emission from GRB060614 using spin-down calculations of a cooling protomagnetar, finding reasonable agreement with observations for a magnetar with an initial rotation period of ∼1 ms and a surface dipole field of ∼3 x 10 15 G. If GRBs are indeed produced by AIC or WD-WD mergers, they should occur within a mixture of both early- and late-type galaxies and should not produce strong gravitational wave emission. An additional consequence of our model is the existence of X-ray flashes unaccompanied by a bright SN and not associated with massive star formation.

Pulsating White Dwarf Stars and Precision Asteroseismology

Abstract: Galactic history is written in the white dwarf stars. Their surface properties hint at interiors composed of matter under extreme conditions. In the forty years since their discovery, pulsating white dwarf stars have moved from side-show curiosities to center stage as important tools for unraveling the deep mysteries of the Universe. Innovative observational techniques and theoretical modeling tools have breathed life into precision asteroseismology. We are just learning to use this powerful tool, confronting theoretical models with observed frequencies and their time rate-of-change. With this tool, we calibrate white dwarf cosmochronology; we explore equations of state; we measure stellar masses, rotation rates, and nuclear reaction rates; we explore the physics of interior crystallization; we study the structure of the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae, and we test models of dark matter. The white dwarf pulsations are at once the heartbeat of galactic history and a window into unexplored and exotic physics.

The initial-final mass relation : direct constraints at the low-mass end

Abstract: The initial-final mass relation represents a mapping between the mass of a white dwarf remnant and the mass that the hydrogen-burning main-sequence star that created it once had. The empirical relation thus far has been constrained using a sample of ~40 stars in young open clusters, ranging in initial mass from ~2.75 to 7 -->M?, and shows a general trend that connects higher mass main-sequence stars with higher mass white dwarfs. In this paper, we present CFHT CFH12K photometric and Keck LRIS multiobject spectroscopic observations of a sample of 22 white dwarfs in two older open clusters, NGC 7789 ( -->t = 1.4 Gyr) and NGC 6819 ( -->t = 2.5 Gyr). We measure masses for the highest signal-to-noise ratio spectra by fitting the Balmer lines to atmosphere models and place the first direct constraints on the low-mass end of the initial-final mass relation. Our results indicate that the observed general trend at higher masses continues down to low masses, with -->Minitial = 1.6 M? main-sequence stars forming -->Mfinal = 0.54 M? white dwarfs. When added to our new data from the very old cluster NGC 6791, the relation is extended down to -->Minitial = 1.16 M? (corresponding to -->Mfinal = 0.53 M?). This extension of the relation represents a fourfold increase in the total number of hydrogen-burning stars for which the integrated mass loss can now be calculated from empirical data, assuming a Salpeter initial mass function. The new leverage at the low-mass end is used to derive a purely empirical initial-final mass relation. The sample of white dwarfs in these clusters also shows several interesting systems that we discuss further: a DB (helium) white dwarf, a magnetic white dwarf, a DAB (mixed hydrogen/helium atmosphere or a double degenerate DA+DB) white dwarf(s), and two possible equal-mass DA double degenerate binary systems.

The Pulsating White Dwarf Stars

Abstract: We present a summary of what is currently known about the three distinct families of isolated pulsating white dwarfs. These are the GW Vir stars (He/C/O-atmosphere stars with Teff 120,000 K), the V777 Her stars (He-atmosphere, Teff 25,000 K), and the ZZ Ceti stars (H-atmosphere, Teff 12,000 K), all showing multiperiodic luminosity variations caused by low-order and low-degree g-mode instabilities. We also provide, in an Appendix, a very brief overview of the newly found evidence in favor of the existence of a fourth category of oscillating white dwarfs bearing strong similarities with these families of pulsators. We begin our survey with a short historical introduction, followed by a general discussion of pulsating white dwarfs as compact pulsators. We then discuss the class properties of these objects, including an updated census. We next focus on the instability domains for each family of pulsators in the log g - Teff diagram, and present their time-averaged properties in more detail. This is followed by a section on excitation physics, i.e., the causes of the pulsational instabilities, with emphasis on the common properties of the different types of pulsator. We then discuss the time-dependent properties of the pulsating white dwarfs featuring, among other things, a brief "picture tour" across the ZZ Ceti instability strip. We next review the methods used to infer or constrain the angular geometry of a pulsation mode in a white dwarf. These include multicolor photometry and time-resolved spectroscopy, the exploitation of the nonlinear features in the observed light curves, and rotational splitting. We also consider basic adiabatic asteroseismology starting with a discussion of the reaction of the period spectrum to variations of model parameters. We next review the various asteroseismological inferences that have so far been claimed for white dwarfs. We also discuss the potential of exploiting the rates of period change. We finally provide some concluding remarks, including a list with several suggestions for future progress in the field.

The supernova channel of super-AGB stars

Abstract: We study the late evolution of solar metallicity stars in the transition region between white dwarf formation and core collapse. This includes the super-asymptotic giant branch (super-AGB, SAGB) stars, which ignite carbon burning and form an oxygen-neon (ONe) core. SAGB star cores may grow to the Chandrasekhar mass because of continued H- and He-shell burning, ending as core-collapse supernovae. From stellar evolution models we find that the initial mass range for SAGB evolution is -->7.5–9.25 M☉. We perform calculations with three different stellar evolution codes to judge the robustness of our results. The mass range significantly depends on the treatment of semiconvective mixing and convective overshooting. To consider the effect of a large number of thermal pulses, as expected in SAGB stars, we construct synthetic SAGB models that are calibrated through stellar evolution simulations. The synthetic model enables us to compute the evolution of the main properties of SAGB stars from the onset of thermal pulses until the core reaches the Chandrasekhar mass or is uncovered by the stellar wind. Thereby, we differentiate the stellar initial mass ranges that produce ONe WDs from that leading to electron-capture SNe. The latter is found to be -->9.0–9.25 M☉ for our fiducial model, implying that electron-capture SNe would constitute about 4% of all SNe in the local universe. The error in this determination due to uncertainties in the third dredge-up efficiency and AGB mass-loss rate could lead to about a doubling of the number of electron-capture SNe, which provides a firm upper limit to their contribution to all supernovae of ~20%.

Compact Stars as Dark Matter Probes

Abstract: We discuss the consequences of the accretion of dark matter (DM) particles on compact stars such as white dwarfs and neutron stars. We show that in large regions of the DM parameter space, these objects are sensitive probes of the presence of DM and can be used to set constraints both on the DM density and on the physical properties of DM particles.

Probing the properties of convective cores through g modes : high-order g modes in SPB and γ Doradus stars

Abstract: In main-sequence stars, the periods of high-order gravity modes are sensitive probes of stellar cores and, in particular, of the chemical composition gradient that develops near the outer edge of the convective core. We present an analytical approximation of high-order g modes that takes into account the effect of the μ gradient near the core. We show that in main-sequence models, similarly to the case of white dwarfs, the periods of high-order gravity modes are accurately described by a uniform period spacing superposed to an oscillatory component. The periodicity and amplitude of such component are related, respectively, to the location and sharpness of the μ gradient. We investigate the properties of high-order gravity modes for stellar models in a mass domain range between 1 and 10 M⊙, and the effects of the stellar mass, evolutionary state and extra-mixing processes on period spacing features. In particular, we show that for models of a typical Slowly Pulsating B (SPB) star, a chemical mixing that could likely be induced by the slow rotation observed in these stars is able to significantly change the g-mode spectra of the equilibrium model. Prospects and challenges for the asteroseismology of γ Doradus and SPB stars are also discussed.

The initial–final mass relationship of white dwarfs revisited: effect on the luminosity function and mass distribution

Abstract: The initial-final mass relationship connects the mass of a white dwarf with the mass of its progenitor in the main-sequence. Although this function is of fundamental importance to several fields in modern astrophysics, it is not well constrained either from the theoretical or the observational points of view. In this work we revise the present semi-empirical initial-final mass relationship by re-evaluating the available data. The distribution obtained from grouping all our results presents a considerable dispersion, which is larger than the uncertainties. We have carried out a weighted least-squares linear fit of these data and a careful analysis to give some clues on the dependence of this relationship on some parameters such as metallicity or rotation. The semiempirical initial-final mass relationship arising from our study covers the range of initial masses from 1.0 to 6.5 M⊙, including in this way the low-mass domain, poorly studied until recently. Finally, we have also performed a test of the initial-final mass relationship by studying its effect on the luminosity function and on the mass distribution of white dwarfs. This was done by using different initial-final mass relationships from the literature, including the expression derived in this work, and comparing the results obtained with the observational data from the Palomar Green Survey and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We find that the semi-empirical initial-final mass relationship derived here gives results in good agreement with the observational data, especially in the case of the white dwarf mass distribution.

Tycho Brahe's 1572 supernova as a standard type Ia as revealed by its light-echo spectrum.

Abstract: Type Ia supernovae, used as distance indicators by cosmologists, result from thermonuclear explosions of white dwarf stars in binary systems. Important questions remain about how the explosions proceed and the nature of the progenitors. A nearby example would be a help in finding the answers; now we have one. The recent discovery of light echoing from Tycho Brahe's supernova of 1572, and now the determination of its optical spectrum, confirm the suspicion that 'SN 1572' is in fact a type Ia supernova in our cosmological backyard, the Milky Way. This puts stringent constraints on explosion models that can now be compared in detail to observations of both the explosion 436 years ago and the remnant as we see it today. This study reports an optical spectrum of Tycho Brahe's supernova near maximum brightness, obtained from a scattered-light echo more than four centuries after the direct light of the explosion swept past Earth. It is found that SN 1572 belongs to the majority class of normal type Ia supernovae. Type Ia supernovae are thermonuclear explosions of white dwarf stars in close binary systems1. They play an important role as cosmological distance indicators and have led to the discovery of the accelerated expansion of the Universe2,3. Among the most important unsolved questions4 about supernovae are how the explosion actually proceeds and whether accretion occurs from a companion or by the merging of two white dwarfs. Tycho Brahe’s supernova of 1572 (SN 1572) is thought to be one of the best candidates for a type Ia supernova in the Milky Way5. The proximity of the SN 1572 remnant has allowed detailed studies, such as the possible identification of the binary companion6, and provides a unique opportunity to test theories of the explosion mechanism and the nature of the progenitor. The determination of the hitherto unknown7,8,9 spectroscopic type of this supernova is crucial in relating these results to the diverse population of type Ia supernovae10. Here we report an optical spectrum of Tycho’s supernova near maximum brightness, obtained from a scattered-light echo more than four centuries after the direct light from the explosion swept past the Earth. We find that SN 1572 belongs to the majority class of normal type Ia supernovae.

Tidal disruption and ignition of white dwarfs by moderately massive black holes

Abstract: We present a numerical investigation of the tidal disruption of white dwarfs by moderately massive black holes, with particular reference to the centers of dwarf galaxies and globular clusters. Special attention is given to the fate of white dwarfs of all masses that approach the black hole close enough to be disrupted and severely compressed to such extent that explosive nuclear burning can be triggered. Consistent modeling of the gas dynamics together with the nuclear reactions allows for a realistic determination of the explosive energy release. In the most favorable cases, the nuclear energy release may be comparable to that of typical type Ia supernovae. Although the explosion will increase the mass fraction escaping on hyperbolic orbits, a good fraction of the debris remains to be swallowed by the hole, causing a bright soft X-ray flare lasting for about a year. Such transient signatures, if detected, would be a compelling testimony for the presence of a moderately mass black hole (below $10^5 M_\odot$).

Probing the properties of convective cores through g modes: high-order g modes in SPB and gamma Doradus stars

Abstract: In main sequence stars the periods of high-order gravity modes are sensitive probes of stellar cores and, in particular, of the chemical composition gradient that develops near the outer edge of the convective core. We present an analytical approximation of high-order g modes that takes into account the effect of the mu gradient near the core. We show that in main-sequence models, similarly to the case of white dwarfs, the periods of high-order gravity modes are accurately described by a uniform period spacing superposed to an oscillatory component. The periodicity and amplitude of such component are related, respectively, to the location and sharpness of the mu gradient. We investigate the properties of high-order gravity modes for stellar models in a mass domain between 1 and 10 Msun, and the effects of the stellar mass, evolutionary state, and extra-mixing processes on period spacing features. In particular, we show that for models of a typical SPB star, a chemical mixing that could likely be induced by the slow rotation observed in these stars, is able to significantly change the g-mode spectra of the equilibrium model. Prospects and challenges for the asteroseismology of gamma Doradus and SPB stars are also discussed.

Binary star origin of high field magnetic white dwarfs

Abstract: White dwarfs with surface magnetic fields in excess of 1MG are found as isolated single stars and relatively more often in magnetic cataclysmic variables. Some 1,253 white dwarfs with a detached low-mass main-sequence companion are identified in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey but none of these is observed to show evidence for Zeeman splitting of hydrogen lines associated with a magnetic field in excess of 1MG. If such high magnetic fields on white dwarfs result from the isolated evolution of a single star then there should be the same fraction of high field white dwarfs among this SDSS binary sample as among single stars. Thus we deduce that the origin of such high magnetic fields must be intimately tied to the formation of cataclysmic variables. The formation of a CV must involve orbital shrinkage from giant star to main-sequence star dimensions. It is believed that this shrinkage occurs as the lowmass companion and the white dwarf spiral together inside a common envelope. CVs emerge as very close but detached binary stars that are then brought together by magnetic braking or gravitational radiation. We propose that the smaller the orbital separation at the end of the common envelope phase, the stronger the magnetic field. The magnetic cataclysmic variables originate from those common envelope systems that almost merge. We propose further that those common envelope systems that do merge are the progenitors of the single high field white dwarfs. Thus all highly magnetic white dwarfs, be they single stars or the components of MCVs, have a binary origin. This hypothesis also accounts for the relative dearth of single white dwarfs with fields of 10 4 10 6 G. Such intermediate-field white dwarfs are found preferentially in cataclysmic variables. In addition the bias towards higher masses for highly magnetic white dwarfs is expected if a fraction of these form when two degenerate cores merge in a common envelope. Similar scenarios may account for very high field neutron stars. From the space density of single highly magnetic white dwarfs we estimate that about three times as many common envelope events lead to a merged core as to a cataclysmic variable.

The Progenitors of Type Ia Supernovae

Abstract: Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) occur in both old, passive galaxies and active, star-forming galaxies. This fact, coupled with the strong dependence of SN Ia rate on star formation rate, suggests that SNe Ia form from stars with a wide range of ages. Here we show that the rate of SN Ia explosions is about 1% of the stellar death rate, independent of star formation history. The dependence of SN Ia rate on star formation rate implies a delay time distribution proportional to t−0.5 ± 0.2. The single-degenerate channel for SNe Ia can be made to match the observed SN Ia rate-SFR relation, but only if white dwarfs are converted to SNe Ia with a uniform efficiency of ~1%, independent of mass. Since low-mass progenitors are expected to have lower conversion efficiencies than high-mass progenitors, we conclude that some other progenitor scenario must be invoked to explain some, or perhaps all, SNe Ia.

White dwarf spins from low mass stellar evolution models

Abstract: Context. The prediction of the spins of the compact remnants is a fundamental goal of the theory of stellar evolution. Aims. Here, we confront the predictions for white dwarf spins from evolutionary models, including rotation with observational constraints. Methods. We perform stellar evolution calculations for stars in the mass range 1. ..3 M� , including the physics of rotation, from the zero age main sequence into the TP-AGB stage. We calculate two sets of model sequences, with and without inclusion of magnetic fields. From the final computed models of each sequence, we deduce the angular momenta and rotational velocities of the emerging white dwarfs. Results. While models including magnetic torques predict white dwarf rotational velocities between 2 and 10 km s −1 , those from the nonmagnetic sequences are found to be one to two orders of magnitude larger, well above empirical upper limits. Conclusions. We find the situation analogous to that in the neutron star progenitor mass range, and conclude that magnetic torques may be required to understand the slow rotation of compact stellar remnants in general.

Young and Massive Binary Progenitors of Type Ia Supernovae and Their Circumstellar Matter

Abstract: We present new evolutionary models for Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) progenitors, introducing the mass-stripping effect on a main-sequence (MS) or slightly evolved companion star by winds from a mass-accreting white dwarf (WD). The mass stripping attenuates the rate of mass transfer from the companion to the WD. As a result, a very massive MS companion can avoid forming a common envelope and thus can increase the WD mass up until the SN Ia explosion. Including the mass-stripping effect, we follow binary evolutions of various WD + MS systems and obtain the parameter region in the initial donor mass-orbital period plane in which SNe Ia occur. The newly obtained SN Ia region extends to donor masses of 6-7 M☉, although its extension depends on the efficiency of the mass-stripping effect. The stripped matter would mainly be distributed on the orbital plane and would form very massive circumstellar matter (CSM) around the SN Ia progenitor. This can explain the massive CSM around the Type Ia/IIn(IIa) supernovae SN 2002ic and SN 2005gj, as well as the tenuous CSM around the normal Type Ia supernova SN 2006X. Our new model suggests the presence of very young (108 yr) populations of SNe Ia, which is consistent with recent observational indications of young-population SNe Ia.

A new look at the local white dwarf population

Abstract: We have conducted a detailed new survey of the local population of white dwarfs lying within 20 pc of the Sun. A new revised catalog of local white dwarfs containing 122 entries (126 individual degenerate stars) is presented. This list contains 27 white dwarfs not included in a previous list from 2002, as well as new and recently published trigonometric parallaxes. In several cases new members of the local white dwarf population have come to light through accurate photometric distance estimates. In addition, a suspected new double degenerate system (WD 0423+120) has been identified. The 20 pc sample is currently estimated to be 80% complete. Using a variety of recent spectroscopic, photometric, and trigonometric distance determinations, we re-compute a space density of 4.8 ± 0.5 × 10–3 pc–3 corresponding to a mass density of 3.2 ± 0.3 × 10–3 M ☉ pc–3 from the complete portion of the sample within 13 pc. We find an overall mean mass for the local white dwarfs of 0.665 M ☉, a value larger than most other non-volume-limited estimates. Although the sample is small, we find no evidence of a correlation between mass and temperature in which white dwarfs below 13,000 K are systematically more massive than those above this temperature. Within 20 pc 25% of the white dwarfs are in binary systems (including double degenerate systems). Approximately 6% are double degenerates and 6.5% are Sirius-like systems. The fraction of magnetic white dwarfs in the local population is found to be 13%.

On the evolutionary status of short-period cataclysmic variables

Abstract: We present high-speed, three-colour photometry of seven short-period (P-orb <= 95 min) eclipsing cataclysmic variables (CVs) from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We determine the system parameters via a parametrized model of the eclipse fitted to the observed light curve by chi(2) minimization. Three out of seven of the systems possess brown dwarf donor stars and are believed to have evolved past the orbital period minimum. This is in line with the predictions that 40-70 per cent of CVs should have evolved past the orbital period minimum. Therefore, the main result of our study is that the missing population of post-period minimum CVs has finally been identified. The donor star masses and radii are, however, inconsistent with model predictions; the donor stars are approximately 10 per cent larger than expected across the mass range studied here. One explanation for the discrepancy is the enhanced angular momentum loss (e.g. from circumbinary discs); however, the mass-transfer rates, as deduced from white dwarf effective temperatures, are not consistent with enhanced angular momentum loss. We show that it is possible to explain the large donor radii without invoking enhanced angular momentum loss by a combination of geometrical deformation and the effects of starspots due to strong rotation and expected magnetic activity. Choosing unambiguously between these different solutions will require independent estimates of the mass-transfer rates in short-period CVs. The white dwarfs in our sample show a strong tendency towards high masses. We show that this is unlikely to be due to selection effects. The dominance of high-mass white dwarfs in our sample implies that erosion of the white dwarf during nova outbursts must be negligible, or even that white dwarfs grow in mass through the nova cycle. Amongst our sample, there are no helium-core white dwarfs, despite predictions that 30-80 per cent of short-period CVs should contain helium-core white dwarfs. We are unable to rule out selection effects as the cause of this discrepancy.

The initial-final mass relationship of white dwarfs revisited: effect on the luminosity function and mass distribution

Abstract: The initial-final mass relationship connects the mass of a white dwarf with the mass of its progenitor in the main-sequence. Although this function is of fundamental importance to several fields in modern astrophysics, it is not well constrained either from the theoretical or the observational points of view. In this work we revise the present semi-empirical initial-final mass relationship by re-evaluating the available data. The distribution obtained from grouping all our results presents a considerable dispersion, which is larger than the uncertainties. We have carried out a weighted least-squares linear fit of these data and a careful analysis to give some clues on the dependence of this relationship on some parameters such as metallicity or rotation. The semi-empirical initial-final mass relationship arising from our study covers the range of initial masses from 1.0 to 6.5 M_sun, including in this way the low-mass domain, poorly studied until recently. Finally, we have also performed a test of the initial-final mass relationship by studying its effect on the luminosity function and on the mass distribution of white dwarfs. This was done by using different initial-final mass relationships from the literature, including the expression derived in this work, and comparing the results obtained with the observational data from the Palomar Green Survey and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We find that the semi-empirical initial-final mass relationship derived here gives results in good agreement with the observational data, especially in the case of the white dwarf mass distribution.

A Transient Radio Jet in an Erupting Dwarf Nova

Abstract: Astrophysical jets seem to occur in nearly all types of accreting objects, from supermassive black holes to young stellar objects. On the basis of x-ray binaries, a unified scenario describing the disc/jet coupling has evolved and been extended to many accreting objects. The only major exceptions are thought to be cataclysmic variables: Dwarf novae, weakly accreting white dwarfs, show similar outburst behavior to x-ray binaries, but no jet has yet been detected. Here we present radio observations of a dwarf nova in outburst showing variable flat-spectrum radio emission that is best explained as synchrotron emission originating in a transient jet. Both the inferred jet power and the relation to the outburst cycle are analogous to those seen in x-ray binaries, suggesting that the disc/jet coupling mechanism is ubiquitous.

Spitzer IRAC Observations of White Dwarfs. I. Warm Dust at Metal-Rich Degenerates

Abstract: This paper presents the results of a Spitzer IRAC 3-8 μm photometric search for warm dust orbiting 17 nearby, metal-rich white dwarfs, 15 of which apparently have hydrogen-dominated atmospheres (type DAZ). G166-58, G29-38, and GD 362 manifest excess emission in their IRAC fluxes and the latter two are known to harbor dust grains warm enough to radiate detectable emission at near-infrared wavelengths as short as 2 μm. Their IRAC fluxes display differences compatible with a relatively larger amount of cooler dust at GD 362. G166-58 is presently unique in that it appears to exhibit excess flux only at wavelengths longer than about 5 μm. Evidence is presented that this mid-infrared emission is most likely associated with the white dwarf, indicating that G166-58 bears circumstellar dust no warmer than -->T ~ 400 K. The remaining 14 targets reveal no reliable mid-infrared excess, indicating the majority of DAZ stars do not have warm debris disks sufficiently opaque to be detected by IRAC.

The impact of type Ia supernovae on main sequence binary companions

Abstract: Context. The nature of type Ia supernova progenitors is still unclear. The outstanding characteristic of the single-degenerate scenario is that it contains hydrogen in the binary companion of the exploding white dwarf star, which, if mixed into the ejecta of the supernova in large amounts may lead to conflicts with the observations thus ruling out the scenario. Aims. We investigate the effect of the impact of type Ia supernova ejecta on a main sequence companion star of the progenitor system. With a series of simulations we investigate how different parameters of this system affect the amount of hydrogen stripped from the companion by the impact. Methods. The stellar evolution code GARSTEC is used to set up the structure of the companion stars mimicking the effect of a binary evolution phase. The impact itself is simulated with the smoothed particle hydrodynamics code GADGET2. Results. We reproduce and confirm the results of earlier grid-based hydrodynamical simulation. Parameter studies of the progenitor system are extended to include the results of recent binary evolution studies. The more compact structure of the companion star found here significantly reduces the stripped hydrogen mass. Conclusions. The low hydrogen masses resulting from a more realistic companion structure are consistent with current observational constraints. Therefore, the single-degenerate scenario remains a valid possibility for type Ia supernova progenitors. These new results are not a numerical effect, but the outcome of different initial conditions.

On the evolutionary status of short period cataclysmic variables

Abstract: (Abridged) We present high-speed, three-colour photometry of seven short period (Porb <= 95 mins) eclipsing CVs from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We determine the system parameters via a parametrized model of the eclipse fitted to the observed lightcurve by chi2 minimization. Three out of seven of the systems possess brown dwarf donor stars and are believed to have evolved past the orbital period minimum. This is in line with predictions that 40-70 per cent of CVs should have evolved past the orbital period minimum. Therefore, the main result of our study is that the missing population of post-period minimum CVs has finally been identified. The donor star masses and radii are, however, inconsistent with model predictions; the donor stars are approximately 10 per cent larger than expected across the mass range studied here. One explanation for the discrepancy is enhanced angular momentum loss (e.g. from circumbinary discs), however the mass-transfer rates, as deduced from white dwarf effective temperatures, are not consistent with enhanced angular momentum loss. We show it is possible to explain the large donor radii without invoking enhanced angular momentum loss by a combination of geometrical deformation and the effects of starspots due to strong rotation and expected magnetic activity. Choosing unambiguously between these different solutions will require independent estimates of the mass-transfer rates in short period CVs.

Cataclysmic Variable Primary Effective Temperatures: Constraints on Binary Angular Momentum Loss

Abstract: We review the most decisive currently available measurements of the surface effective temperatures, Teff, of white dwarf (WD) primaries in cataclysmic variables (CVs) during accretion quiescence, and use these as a diagnostic for their time averaged accretion rate, . Using time-dependent calculations of the WD envelope, we investigate the sensitivity of the quiescent Teff to long term variations in the accretion rate. We find that the quiescent Teff provides one of the best available tests of predictions for the angular momentum loss and resultant mass transfer rates which govern the evolution of CVs. While gravitational radiation is sufficient to explain the of strongly magnetic CVs at all Porb, faster angular momentum loss is required by the temperatures of dwarf nova primaries (non-magnetic systems). This provides evidence that a normal stellar magnetic field structure near the secondary is essential for the enhanced braking mechanism to work, supporting the well-known stellar wind braking hypothesis. The contrast in is most prominent for orbital periods Porb > 3 hours, above the period gap, but a modest enhancement is also present at shorter Porb. The averaging time which reflects is as much as 10^5 years for low- systems and as little as 10^3 years for high- systems. We discuss the security of conclusions drawn about the CV population in light of these time scales and our necessarily incomplete sample of systems. Measurements for non-magnetic systems above the period gap fall below predictions from traditional stellar wind braking prescriptions, but above more recent predictions with somewhat weaker angular momentum loss. We also discuss the apparently high Teff's found in the VY Scl stars. (abridged)

Reaching the End of the White Dwarf Cooling Sequence in NGC 6791

Abstract: We present new observations of the white dwarf sequence of the old open cluster NGC 6791. The brighter peak previously observed in the white dwarf luminosity function (WDLF) is now better delineated, and the second, fainter peak that we suggested earlier is now confirmed. A careful study suggests that we have reached the end of the WD sequence. The WDs that create the two peaks in the WDLF show a significant turn to the blue in the color-magnitude diagram. The discrepancy between the age from the WDs and that from the main-sequence turnoff remains, and we have an additional puzzle in the second peak in the WDLF. Canonical WD models seem to fail—at least at ~25% level—in reproducing the age of clusters of this metallicity. We discuss briefly possible ways of arriving at a theoretical understanding of the WDLF.

The impact of type Ia supernovae on main sequence binary companions

Abstract: The nature of Type Ia supernova progenitors is still unclear. The outstanding characteristic of the single-degenerate scenario is that it contains hydrogen in the binary companion of the exploding white dwarf star, which, if mixed into the ejecta of the supernova in large amounts may lead to conflicts with the observations thus ruling out the scenario. We investigate the effect of the impact of Type Ia supernova ejecta on a main sequence companion star of the progenitor system. With a series of simulations we investigate how different parameters of this system affect the amount of hydrogen stripped from the companion by the impact. The stellar evolution code GARSTEC is used to set up the structure of the companion stars mimicking the effect of a binary evolution phase. The impact itself is simulated with the smoothed particle hydrodynamics code GADGET2. We reproduce and confirm the results of earlier grid-based hydrodynamical simulation. Parameter studies of the progenitor system are extended to include the results of recent binary evolution studies. The more compact structure of the companion star found here significantly reduces the stripped hydrogen mass. The low hydrogen masses resulting from a more realistic companion structure are consistent with current observational constraints. Therefore, the single-degenerate scenario remains a valid possibility for Type Ia supernova progenitors. These new results are not a numerical effect, but the outcome of different initial conditions.

Initial-final mass relationship for stars of different metallicities

Abstract: Context. The initial-final mass relationship (IFMR) for stars is important in many astrophysical fields of study, such as the evolution of galaxies, the properties of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) and the components of dark matter in the Galaxy. Aims. The purpose of this paper is to obtain the dependence of the IFMR on metallicity. Methods. We assume that the envelope of an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) or a first giant branch (FGB) star is lost when the binding energy of the envelope is equal to zero (Delta W = 0) and the core mass of the AGB star or the FGB star at the point (Delta W = 0) is taken as the final mass. Using this assumption, we calculate the IFMRs for stars of different metallicities. Results. We find that the IFMR depends strongly on the metallicity, i.e. Z = 0.0001, 0.0003, 0.001, 0.004, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.1. From Z = 0.04, the final mass of the stars with a given initial mass increases with increasing or decreasing metallicity. The difference in the final mass due to the metallicity may be up to 0.4 M(circle dot). A linear fit of the initial-final mass relationship in NGC 2099 (M37) shows the effect of metallicity on the IFMR. The IFMR for stars of Z = 0.02 obtained here matches well with those inferred observationally in the Galaxy. For Z >= 0.02, helium WDs are obtained from the stars of M(i) <= 1.0 M(circle dot) and this result is supported by the discovery of numerous low-mass WDs in NGC 6791, which is a metal-rich old open cluster. Using the IFMR for stars of Z = 0.02 obtained here, we have reproduced the mass distribution of DA WDs in Sloan DR4 except for some ultra-massive white dwarfs. Conclusions. The trend that the mean mass ofWDs decreases with effective temperature may originate from the increase of the initial metallicities of stars. We briefly discuss the potential effects of the IFMR on SNe Ia and at the same time, predict that metal-rich low-mass stars may become under-massive white dwarfs.

Hot DQ White Dwarfs: Something Different

Abstract: We present a detailed analysis of all the known hot DQ white dwarfs in the Fourth Data Release of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) recently found to have carbon-dominated atmospheres. Our spectroscopic and photometric analysis reveals that these objects all have effective temperatures between ~18,000 and 24,000 K. The surface composition is found to be completely dominated by carbon, as revealed by the absence of H? and He I ?4471 lines (or a determination of trace amounts in a few cases). We find that the surface gravity of all objects but one seems to be normal and around -->log g = 8.0, while one is likely near -->log g = 9.0. The presence of a weak magnetic field is directly detected by spectropolarimetry in one object and is suspected in two others. We propose that these strange stars could be cooled-down versions of the weird PG 1159 star H1504+65 and form a new family of hydrogen- and helium-deficient objects following the post-AGB phase. Finally, we present the results of full nonadiabatic calculations dedicated specifically to each of the hot DQs that show that only SDSS J142625.70+575218.4 is expected to exhibit luminosity variations. This result is in excellent agreement with recent observations by Montgomery et al., who find that J142625.70+575218.4 is the only pulsator among six hot DQ white dwarfs surveyed in 2008 February.

The single-degenerate channel for the progenitor of type Ia supernovae with different metallicities

Abstract: The single-degenerate channel for the progenitors of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are currently accepted, in which a carbon-oxygen white dwarf (CO WD) accretes hydrogen-rich material from its companion, increases its mass to the Chandrasekhar mass limit, and then explodes as a SN Ia. Incorporating the prescription of \citet{HAC99a} for the accretion efficiency into Eggleton's stellar evolution code and assuming that the prescription is valid for \emph{all} metallicities, we performed binary stellar evolution calculations for more than 25,000 close WD binaries with metallicities $Z=0.06, 0.05, 0.04, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01, 0.004, 0.001, 0.0003$ and 0.0001. For our calculations, the companions are assumed to be unevolved or slightly evolved stars (WD + MS). As a result, the initial parameter spaces for SNe Ia at various $Z$ are presented in orbital period-secondary mass ($\log P_{\rm i}, M_{\rm 2}^{\rm i}$) planes. Our study shows that both the initial mass of the secondary and the initial orbital period increase with metallicity. Thus, the minimum mass of the CO WD for SNe Ia decreases with metallicity $Z$. The difference of the minimum mass may be as large as 0.24 $M_{\odot}$ for different Z. Adopting the results above, we studied the birth rate of SNe Ia for various $Z$ via a binary population synthesis approach. If a single starburst is assumed, SNe Ia occur systemically earlier and the peak value of the birth rate is larger for a high $Z$. The Galactic birth rate from the WD + MS channel is lower than (but comparable to) that inferred from observations. Our study indicates that supernovae like SN2002ic would not occur in extremely low-metallicity environments, if the delayed dynamical-instability model in \citet{HAN06} is appropriate.

The Outermost Ejecta of Type Ia Supernovae

Abstract: The properties of the highest velocity ejecta of normal Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are studied via models of very early optical spectra of six SNe. At epochs earlier than 1 week before maximum, SNe with a rapidly evolving Si II λ6355 line velocity (HVG) have a larger photospheric velocity than SNe with a slowly evolving Si II λ6355 line velocity (LVG). Since the two groups have comparable luminosities, the temperature at the photosphere is higher in LVG SNe. This explains the different overall spectral appearance of HVG and LVG SNe. However, the variation of the Ca II and Si II absorptions at the highest velocities (v 20,000 km s−1) suggests that additional factors, such as asphericity or different abundances in the progenitor white dwarf, affect the outermost layers. The C II λ6578 line is marginally detected in three LVG SNe, suggesting that LVGs undergo less intense burning. The carbon mass fraction is small, only less than 0.01 near the photosphere, so that he mass of unburned C is only 0.01 M☉. Radioactive 56Ni and stable Fe are detected in both LVG and HVG SNe. Different Fe-group abundances in the outer layers may be one of the reasons for spectral diversity among SNe Ia at the earliest times. The diversity among SNe Ia at the earliest phases could also indicate an intrinsic dispersion in the LC width-luminosity relation.